An interview with Ben Stout
How many of the businesses operating in the industrial park belong to PIPA? Must they belong?
Approximately 60. Membership is optional, but the benefits are attractive to most businesses in the park.
What does PIPA do for the businesses? Is it like a chamber of commerce?
We are certainly an advocacy organization for the businesses in the Plymouth Industrial Park and have in the past organized meetings and events concerning specific issues facing the park; but we do not host regular networking events like a chamber. PIPA’s focus is maintaining a great work environment for businesses and employees in the Plymouth Industrial Park.
Are there dues and other requirements for the businesses?
Yes, we offer membership at $300 for the first year and $200 for each subsequent year. The first year’s dues include creating a name plate for the directories at each end of Industrial Park Road.
As a leading business in the park and president of PIPA, what is your priority for the industrial park?
To be vigilant in maintaining a functional, safe, aesthetically pleasing Industrial Park that continues to strive even in the most challenging economic times.
The composition of the industrial park has changed dramatically since its inception. As a result, should its name change to Plymouth Commerce Park?
Since the Plymouth Industrial Park’s inception we have certainly seen more office, service and retail businesses open up in and around the park – my personal opinion is that a name change would be appropriate.
How has growth around the edges of the park, especially Colony Place and a new hotel, changed the dynamics of the park and its future?
It comes as no surprise that the success of Colony Place has helped the Industrial Park. We are now able to boast amenities that many other Industrial Parks don’t have. The dining and shopping options that are found at Colony Place, in such close proximity to the Industrial Park, are rarely found in other locations in Massachusetts.
With most of the properties in the park developed and occupied, what is the park’s future?
Our vacancy rates are extremely low right now, but in the Light Industrial Zone multiple buildings are allowed without a special permit so my hope is that property owners that have excess land will build additional buildings on their property. This would alleviate the need for additional space in the Park.
What are the greatest opportunities facing the park?
A strong mix of industries that will hopefully feed off of each other for years to come.
What are the greatest challenges facing the park?
Lack of land for future development.
What are the most significant requests of owners and tenants in the Park moving forward?
We don’t often have requests from owners or tenants, but signage is often the biggest concern.
Published in Plymouth County Business April/May 2009
